Special Chicken Dum Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken pieces with fragrant basmati rice, all infused with rich spices and herbs. The chicken is marinated with yogurt, ginger, garlic, and spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The marinated chicken is layered with partially cooked rice, fried onions, and fresh herbs such as mint and cilantro. The dish is then sealed and cooked on low heat (“dum”) to allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a mouthwatering, savory biryani with a perfect balance of spice and richness.
The Origins of Dum Biryani: Biryani’s history is rich and varied. It is believed to have been introduced to India by Persian travelers and traders. However, it gained popularity in India under Mughal rule, where it was served to royalty. “Dum” cooking, which involves sealing the pot with dough to trap steam, enhances the dish’s fragrance and taste, making it truly unique.
Key Ingredients:
- Basmati Rice: The long-grain Basmati rice is essential for its fragrant aroma and light, fluffy texture.
- Meat: Traditionally, mutton or chicken is used, marinated in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and herbs. In some variations, beef, fish, or prawns may also be used.
- Spices: The dish’s distinctive flavor is provided by a blend of whole spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, bay leaves, and star anise, along with ground spices such as garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder.
- Herbs: Fresh cilantro and mint leaves are often added to enhance the aroma.
- Ghee and Oil: These fats fry onions and add richness to the dish.
- Onions: Deep-fried onions, known as “birista,” contribute to the dish’s sweetness and depth.
Special Chicken Dum Biryani
8
servings40
minutes1 hours 30
minutesIngredients
- 2 pcs Whole chicken
- 50 gm Yogurt
- 1 tbsp Ginger paste
- 1 tbsp Garlic paste
- 2 tbsp Red chili powder
- 1 tbsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp Cumin Powder
- 1 tbsp Coriander leaves
- 1 1/2 tbsp Mix masala
- salt to taste
- 7 pcs potatoes
- 1 pinch of food color
- 500 ml Liquid Milk
- 1 pinch Saffron
- cooking oil for deep fry
- Basmati rice
- 6-7 pcs Cinnamon
- 4-5 pcs Clove
- 2-3 Bay leaves
- 4-5 Cardamom
- Kawda water
- Butter
For boiling rice, water 1000 ml, Cardamom 4-5 pcs, Bay leaves 3-4 pcs, Cinnamon 1, Salt to taste, Kawada water - 1 tsp, Basmoti rice - 1.5 kg
For frying potatoes - butter 150 gm,
Make a broth: Red chili powder- 1tsp, Coriander powder- 2tsp, Cumin powder- 1 tsp, Mustard powder- 1 tsp, Mix masala - 2 tsp, Salt to taste, Fried onion- 2 tbsp
Extra need: prunes, nuts, fried onions, raisins, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.
Directions
For this special Dum Biryani, we first have to marinate chicken. Here, I took two whole chickens. Cut and wash properly. Add yogurt, turmeric powder, chili powder, ginger, and garlic paste, and add salt as required. Mix by hand and keep aside for 20 minutes. If possible, keep more. Take 1 liter of warm water, add 1 pinch of saffron, mix it well, and keep aside. Now, take a deep pan to boil the rice. Here, I took Basmati rice, one and a half kg. Add salt and spices. Wait until simmering it. In between, wash the rice nicely. Now, add rice in water. Wait 10 minutes for half to cook. Now, take a frying pan; make the flame medium. Add butter. When the butter is melted, mix the potatoes with the food coloring. This is optional to add food color. If you want, you can skip it. After frying both sides, remove all the potatoes from the butter. Add Liquid milk with it. Keep aside. now take the bowl where the chicken was marinated, add all the spices, and make a gravy. Take a big pan and add it all together. First, add chicken pieces, potatoes, and sauce. Add nuts, prunes, raisins, and fried onions. Then add a half bowl of rice milk mix fried onions. Again, add nuts, prunes, raisins, and milk liquid. Now seal it with a cover and wait for 45 minutes.
Serving and Accompaniments: Special Dum Biryani is traditionally served with raita (yogurt mixed with chopped vegetables or herbs), salan (a spicy gravy), or boiled eggs. Pickles, papads, or a simple salad of onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes can accompany it. A squeeze of lemon over the biryani adds a zesty touch to balance the dish’s richness.
Special Dum Biryani is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of South Asia. Whether enjoyed at a festive occasion, a family gathering, or a casual meal, it never fails to impress with its layers of flavor, texture, and aroma. This dish requires patience and skill, but the result is a feast that delights the senses and satisfies the soul.
